Salute the Love Power Soldier, Wallace Redd

“When I first met Wallace, I didn’t know him by that name. The person I met was Sanyika Babatunji. A conscious brother- entrepreneur who taught me how to hustle. He was vocal about the plight of black people, (1990) when I met, until his end. We always talked a long time on the phone, because we had so much to talk about….” – Brother Adimu Ali.

Wallace Redd’s impact on his society was astronomical, he touched many, and was instrumental in many others’ growth and development. He was a warrior for his people and stood his ground on many of the issues that he cared about. A forceful man, who cared about others’ feelings and he never left a big footprint. Wallace was kind, easy going, and mild mannered. He never saw himself as a big “I” and others as small “u’s”. He believed in camaraderie, bringing people together, and giving everyone a voice. Most men are concerned with doing things their way, but Wallace was just the opposite, he allowed those around him to do it their way.

Wallace was the epitome of a black man, from street vending to The Love Power Show. The path created by Wallace Redd (Sanyika Babatunji) is a worthy path that many of his people must review. A man who never gave up, he was a leader, team player, a wise man, and a visionary.

“Dr.” Wallace Redd, of course I implied the doctor, but if you knew him even a little, I’m sure you would agree. Mr. Redd was always studying, stayed enrolled in classes making sure he brought back to his community what he had learned. With an infectious smile – he had so much love to share, probably why he chose the name The Love Power Show for his radio broadcast, Because he knew love was the answer. Adamant about the field of politics, he formed the Love Power Action Committee to give those interested in running for offices a platform in which to speak. Whether you met him selling cd’s or incense — I’m sure he left his mark on you. Brother Wallace Redd will truly be missed as he has taken his seat amongst the AnkhceStars. Farewell Sanyika” – Sister Patricia Lee.

“Dr.” Wallace Redd displayed his wisdom and power, that has survived for over a decades, his creation of The Love Power Show, a radio talk show, WMQM 1600 AM, Memphis, Tennessee. With little money, he kept the show going by asking his guest to make small financial contributions, by trying to encourage listeners to making financial contributions, and reaching into his own pockets to keep the show on air. In addition, every Sunday or whatever day, he would be at the radio station and on the air pushing his Love Power Show. His greatest reward would be knowing that his children were listening. It’s highly likely that Wallace returned to school while in this mid 60’s to learn and to increase his own value in addition, would also increase the value of his Love Power Show. Wallace’s very best was his output as he would labor to bring his listening audience the best information and the truth about each and every subject. He would demand facts and would vigorously challenge hearsay.

“The show was one of a kind. The proof is “in” the title.. (The Love Power Show). Love is an action word. We need to understand how to spread it. His main message. God bless his journey” – Sister Shukriyyah Aquil.

In the midst of unrecognized giants, superpeople, and the God sent. What could a community ever desire? Wallace out matched and out performed any radio talk show host by far, but as a black man of Memphis, Tennessee, his talents were not sufficiently rewarded. If the Love Power Show was placed in any other major city, it would’ve found success, and would’ve been a hit stardom show.

Wallace’s intro and monologue was powerful and direct with enthusiasm. He took his intro seriously by putting himself out of the norm (alter-ego) and placing his audience in the forefront of his mind (“WELCOME TO THE LOVE POWER SHOW”) as if, he could hear the people’s thoughts.

Not only did Wallace performed masterful on his radio program but, he would take part in serious community issues. For example, a young man was killed by a store clerk on Speingdale Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Wallace launched his own campaign for this young man’s justice. For months, he stood on the corner in front of the store and used the Love Power Show as a springboard to bring awareness to the community of what had happened to this young man.